We previously showed that colchicine has potent suppressive effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome (PMID: 27129183), a multiprotein complex, which plays a key role in athero-inflammation.
The NLRP3 inflammasome has also been implicated in modulation of insulin signalling and resistance, via caspase-1 mediated IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, and two studies have proposed that inflammasome inhibition may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Therefore, in this study, we will examine the effects of colchicine on pancreatic beta islet cells function, glycaemic profile and organ inflammatory infiltrate in a murine model of diabetes.